What is Marblesheen/Marblelite?

Marblesheen, also known as Marblelite, is a decorative coating applied to the surface of concrete pool shells with average thicknesses between 5-25 mm. It is primarily composed of white cement and white marble chips between 1-2 mm in diameter (see Figures 1 and 2 below).

If the Marblesheen coating was applied prior to 1990, it may include asbestos.

Any work involving the removal or disturbance of Marblesheen coatings assumed or confirmed to contain asbestos must be done in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation).

Removal or repair of Marblesheen coating generally requires the use of power tools to break away the Marblesheen. The use of power tools will generate airborne asbestos fibres and other dusts including silica. Queensland laws prohibit the use of certain tools and work methods when working with ACM.

When working with or removing asbestos-containing materials:

Never use high-pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos or ACM.

Never use any of the following on asbestos or ACM unless their use is controlled*:

power tools (including grinders, sanders and jackhammers)

brooms

any other implements that cause the release of airborne asbestos into the atmosphere.

*The use of equipment is controlled if one or more of the following applies:

the equipment is enclosed during its use

the equipment is designed to capture or suppress airborne asbestos and is used in accordance with its design

the equipment is used in a way that is designed to capture or suppress airborne asbestos safely

any combination of the above.

Transport and disposal of asbestos-containing Marblesheen

All debris must be double bagged or double wrapped in 200 µm plastic and disposed of at an approved waste disposal facility. Weight limits may apply for transporting asbestos waste.